PlanetPulse.NG

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has raised a nationwide alert over increasing temperatures, cautioning that the heat could lead to stress-related health conditions across various parts of the country.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the agency noted that the rising temperatures pose significant health concerns, especially in several northern states.

The states highlighted include Niger, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, and Adamawa.

NiMet also warned that the impact of the heat would not be limited to those areas alone, adding that other regions, particularly inland areas in the southern part of the country, could also feel the effects.

Forecasts show that heat levels are expected to reach critical thresholds nationwide, with temperatures in the North ranging between 40°C and 45°C, the Central region between 35°C and 38°C, and the South between 33°C and 35°C.

The agency urged Nigerians to adopt safety measures to prevent heat-related illnesses.

It explained that the combination of extreme heat and fine dust particles in parts of the North could heighten the risk of conditions such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and even meningitis outbreaks.

In a decisive move that signals a growing shift toward environmental responsibility, Oyo State is setting the stage to phase out single-use plastics, a step that could redefine waste culture in the state.

The proposed law, currently before the Oyo State House of Assembly, seeks to prohibit the production, importation, sale and use of disposable plastic items such as shopping bags, straws, cups, plates, sachets and Styrofoam packs by 2027.

For years, plastic pollution has quietly built up across cities and rural communities, clogging drains, worsening flooding and degrading soil.

To make the transition smoother, the proposal at the Assembly includes a one-year phase-out window. During that period, residents and businesses will be educated on safer alternatives while producers are encouraged to switch to eco-friendly packaging.

If the bill becomes law, enforcement will be handled by a special task force under the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, working alongside local councils and environmental groups.

Meanwhile, penalties are expected to range from warnings for first-time offenders to fines, mandatory community service, and even business closure for repeat violations.

On any hot afternoon in Nigeria, a cold sachet of water can feel like a small blessing. It is cheap, easy to find, and for many people, the fastest way to quench thirst on the move.

It was no surprise at all when data showed that Nigeria now consumes over 2.5 billion litres of sachet water (known locally as Pure Water) every year. But behind that everyday convenience is a growing environmental problem the country can no longer ignore.

Every day, across Nigerian streets, motor parks, markets and traffic jams, sachet water is bought, torn open, drunk, and discarded within seconds. Beyond the quick quenching of thirst, in many Nigerian communities, pipe-borne water is unreliable or completely absent, making sachet water the safest option for daily use especially in remote areas.